“2024 Pop Culture Pulse: Archinect’s Exciting Take on Fun Trends!”

If there is something we’ve gathered from the manner the previous years have unfolded, it is that everyone occasionally requires a pause from the persistent challenges and unpredictability that perpetually seem to escalate. At Archinect, we consider ourselves fortunate to have received some relief in the shape of amusing and unique news stories that thrilled us throughout the year.

As you welcome 2025, take a look at this compilation of our favorite articles that brought us joy this year.

An animated skyscraper reflects on its existence in the city in “The Secret Diary of a High Rise”

This delightful animated short titled The Secret Diary of a High Rise by Stephen Ong captivated us with its inventive portrayal of a skyscraper’s life. The narrative is delivered by the building itself, as it looks back on its years in the city, including an early romantic relationship with another high-rise and the evolution and changes it undergoes over time.

Art performance at Tadao Ando’s concrete MPavilion showcases grayscale gelato

Distinctive grayscale gelato was offered at the Tadao Ando-designed MPavilion in Melbourne, Australia. Crafted by Brazilian artist João Loureiro in partnership with local creamery Piccolina Gelateria, the treat reflected the pavilion’s concrete and aluminum aesthetic. The gelato was available in six unique flavors, each in a different shade of gray, with not a single flavor labeled.

Vintage architectural posters from 1970s–80s to be showcased by Paul Rudolph Institute and SPACED Gallery of Architecture

The Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture organized an exhibition focusing on the design of architectural poster art, which took place in March. Known as Designing Decades: Architectural Poster Art (1972–1982), the show highlighted a selection of stylistic pieces from the private collection of architect and educator Judith York Newman.

Taylor Swift to serve as keynote speaker at 2024 AIA Conference

AIA surprised the architecture community with the announcement that music artist Taylor Swift would headline the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2024.

David Lynch talks about his scenographic setup at Salone del Mobile with curator Antonio Monda

Renowned director David Lynch crafted an installation at this year’s Salone del Mobile entitled “Interiors by David Lynch. Thinking Room”. The display mirrored the visual style of several of his iconic films, such as Blue Velvet and Lost Highway. The focal point of the installation was an oversized wooden chair, adorned with elaborate brass tubes suspended above.

Pixar’s ‘Up’ floating house is now up for rental on Airbnb

In conjunction with Airbnb’s new Icons collection of holiday properties, a replica of the airborne residence from the Pixar movie Up has become available for rent in New Mexico. Additionally, the dwelling will be hoisted by a crane to create the illusion of it floating in the air.

LEGO unveils Notre-Dame Cathedral model prior to December reopening

In anticipation of the restoration of Notre-Dame and the Olympic Games in Paris this past summer, LEGO has launched a model set of the historic, iconic structure.

Instagram user crafts architectural AI designs influenced by food

This Istanbul-based architectural designer has created a collection of striking visual representations inspired by the shapes of various fruits, vegetables, and meats utilizing AI technologies.

Be sure to keep up with Archinect’s special End of the Year content by following the tag 2024 Year In Review to remain informed.